Thousands of Iraqis trapped in Fallujah during fight against ISIL

Morale is high as Iraqi forces, backed by Shiite and Sunni militias try to push their way into the embattled city of Fallujah.

At least 50,000 civilians remain in Fallujah. The assault teams say they want to keep them out of harm’s way.

Commanders have said they may even delay their push into the heart of the city, in an effort to give people who remain trapped their best chance to escape.

According to one relief organization, only about 37,000 people have made their way to freedom. Those who made their way out say ISIL militants are brutalizing citizens.

The refugee relief arm of the United Nations said the heavy shelling is leading to civilian casualties, and worse.

One thing is certain – this is one of the largest battles to date against ISIL, which still holds large sections of land in Syria and Iraq.

Amb. Kurt Volker discusses the fight in Fallujah

For the latest on the conflict in Fallujah, CCTV America’s Mike Walter spoke with Amb. Kurt Volker, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and executive director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University.